Community Calendar for the week of Feb. 11

Events

Shindig Martini Bar grand opening: 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 19. Celebration includes ribbon cutting, champagne toast and free appetizers. 222 First Ave. S., Kent. 253-520-4705.

United Way free tax preparation: 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays through April 15. Tax preparation help offered to low- to moderate-income individuals by Multi-Service Center and Washington Women’s Employment and Education. Basic tax returns only. No appointments required. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 877-211-9274 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxcampaign.

Benefits

KCC’s Show the Love: 7-10 p.m. Feb. 15. A silent auction, coffee house, and comedy event featuring Taproot Theatre’s comedy improv traveling troupe. All proceeds benefit student ministries. Cost: $15; includes latte and dessert. Kent Covenant Church, 12010 S.E. 240th St. www.kentcov.org.

Sleep Country USA Foster Kids Pajama Drive: Through Feb. 15. Bring new pajamas for foster children to any Sleep Country USA store. See Web site for store locations. 888-887-5337 or www.sleepcountry.com.

Classes

REI clinics: 7 p.m. various Wednesdays, including: Feb. 11, “Snowshoeing 101.” Cost: Free. 240 Andover Park W., Tukwila. 206-248-1938.

Highline Science Seminar Series: 2:20-3:10 p.m. Fridays through March 6. Topics: Feb. 13, “The Monkey in the Mirror.” Cost: Free. Building 3, Room 102 at Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. http://flightline.highline.edu/scienceseminars/.

4Culture Application Workshop: Noon-1:30 p.m. Feb. 13. 4Culture staff will answer questions about upcoming funding opportunities, and share tips on how to put together a successful application. Open to anyone interested in arts and heritage. Kent City Council Chambers at City Hall, 220 Fourth Ave. S.

AARP Driver Safety Course: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Classroom-only safe driving course offered by AARP. Seniors who successfully complete course can qualify for auto insurance discounts. Cost: $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers. Registration required. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St. 206-878-1642.

“Meeting Your Pets’ Needs on a Budget”: 11 a.m. Feb. 17. Workshop led by Des Moines animal control officer Jan Magnuson. Cost: Free; registration requested. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St. 206-878-1642.

Faith

Kent Aglow: 10 a.m. the second Saturday of the month. Speakers: Feb. 14, Flo Ellers. Aglow is an international, trans-denominational organization of Christian women. Cascade Office Plaza, 1209 S. Central Ave., Suite 209, Kent. 253-630-6833, prayermom51@yahoo.com or www.aglow.org.

Food/Meals

Kent Senior Activity Center Deli and Café: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. All ages are welcome. Lunch includes a main entree and soup, vegetables, rice, potatoes or pasta, salad bar, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost: $5.75. 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5155, ext. 1.

Wednesday Night Community Meal: 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All are welcome to join Trinity Community Church in the gym for a free homestyle meal. 3807 Reith Road and 38th Avenue South, Kent. 253-852-1044.

Health

Balance and fall screening: 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 19. Physical therapist Jeff Wheeler will offer free five-minute balance and fall screenings. No appointments needed. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St. 206-878-1642.

Healthy Heart Month screenings: Various dates through Feb. 28. Kent Fire Department will offer free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings at locations throughout Kent. Call for details. 253-856-4481 or www.ci.kent.wa.us/calendar/.

Life Nutrition NW: 6 p.m. Thursdays through March 26. Topics change weekly. Cost: $5 per week. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-630-7000.

Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services: City offers a variety of fitness classes, including Nia, Zumba and PiYo. Call for details, cost. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. 253-856-5000.

Living Healthy 101: 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Ongoing 12-week sessions include weight-loss challenge, nutrition class and support group. Advance registration required. 27215 124th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-630-3674 or www.LivingHealthyWLC.com.

12 Week Weight-loss Challenge: 6 p.m. Mondays. Cost: $39. Portion of fees goes to help stop childhood obesity; rest is awarded as cash prizes to participants. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. 206-774-8270 or goalshappen@hotmail.com.

TOPS No. WA916: 7-8 p.m. Thursdays. Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 206th St., Kent. 253-981-3867.

TOPS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit weight loss support group. New Hope Church, 21115 S.E. 272nd St., Maple Valley. 253-631-3567 or www.tops.org.

Libraries

Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-3330 or www.kcls.org/kent. Library events include:

• Kent Regional Library Book Bunch: 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Topics: Feb. 11, “The Children’s Blizzard” by David Laskin.

• Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 25. Open to ages 12-18 to play GameCube, Nintendo Wii and “Dance Dance Revolution” at the library.

• “How To Grow Good Roses”: 1 p.m. Feb. 14. Hands-on seminar with a Master Rosarian.

• AARP Driver Safety Course: Noon Feb. 17-18. Two-day classroom refresher course for older drivers. Must attend both days. Cost: $10; registration required.

Network

Kent Breakfast Club: 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Develop and maintain a network of business associates in the greater Kent area. Farrington Court, 516 Kenosia Ave. S., Kent. 206-243-2015 or cmtiwest@yahoo.com.

Kent Chapter of Business Networking International: 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: $10, includes breakfast. Old Country Buffet, 25630 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-376-4975 or www.bninw.com.

Networking Professionals: 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Round Table Pizza, 13036 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-951-6491.

Groups

Des Moines Historical Society: 7 p.m. Feb. 11. Quarterly public meeting. Speaker: Amer Halilovic tells of his family’s escape from Bosnia-Herzegovina during the Serb’s genocide of the Muslims. IOOF Hall, 728 S. 225th St., Des Moines. 206-878-7205.

International Association of Administrative Professionals: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Topic: “Work Styles: So THAT’S Why You Drive Me Crazy!” Donations welcome for Salvation Army Food Bank. Cost: $20 for dinner; registration required. Mitzel’s All American Kitchen, 22244 84th Ave. S., Kent. w-e.publicity@lycos.com.

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Develop public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly environment. Guests welcome. Cost: Free. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S., Kent. 888-370-9827 or www.kenteveningtoastmasters.org.

Kent Lions: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Kent group specializes in local youth, families, seniors and veterans. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com or www.kentlionsclub.org.

Kiwanis Club of Kent: Noon Fridays. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-8323.

Kiwanis Club of Meridian-Kent: Noon Wednesdays. A global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time through innovative community service. H.D. Hotspurs Restaurant, 315 Washington Ave. S., Kent. 425-277-4340.

Kent-Renton Newcomers Club: A social ladies’ club that welcomes new residents to the area. Luncheons hosted on the second Wednesday of each month and smaller hobby groups, such as mahjong, bunko, needlework, and dining out excursions are also offered. 425-235-1819 or 253-638-0857.

Medicine Wheel: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Group features study of the Native American Medicine Wheel, song, prayer and friendship. Cost: By donation. Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave. S., Kent. 253-854-9747 or www.unityofkent.org.

MOMS Club of Kent: Social organization for moms. Activities include playgroup, book club, mom’s night out and more. Call or see Web site for details. 206-225-4018, www.momsclubofkentwa.org or membershipvp@momsclubofkentwa.org.

Newcomers and New Friends of Greater Seattle: The second Wednesday of the month. Lunch meetings held at various locations throughout the Puget Sound. Call for details. 425-778-8608 or www.seattlenewcomers.com.

Quota International of Kent Valley: 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Mitzel’s American Kitchen, 22330 84th Ave. S., Kent. 253-856-5723 or www.quotakentvalley.org.

Rainier Audubon Society: 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Auburn. 253-854-3207.

Renton/Kent Women’s Connection: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Wednesday of the month. Childcare available with reservation. Cost: $14.75, includes luncheon. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 425-432-1144 or 425-227-8312.

Rotary Club of Kent: Noon Tuesdays. Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-1044, 253-852-1480 or www.kentrotary.com.

Rotary Club of Kent—Sunrise: 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays. Members bring support and energy to many projects that affect people living in Kent. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-670-5551 or www.kentsunriserotary.org.

Soroptimist International of Kent: Noon the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Soroptimists are dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women within the community and welcome interested women from the community to attend. Golden Steer Steak ’n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 206-387-3353.

South King County Genealogical Society: 10:15 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. Topic: “Origin of the Mayflower Pilgrims” presented by Guy Moellendorf. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for cookies, coffee and socializing. First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 S.E. 248th St. 206-948-4286 or www.skcgs.org.

Teen MOPS: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Free group for pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers. Childcare available. River of Life Fellowship, 10615 S.E. 216th St., Kent. 253-218-7420.

Toastmasters Club 791: 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Mitzel’s Restaurant, 22244 84th Ave. S., Kent. 425-228-7371.

TV Toastmasters: Noon the second Saturday of the month. Learn how to perform both in front and in back of television cameras. Puget Sound Access, 22412 72nd Ave. S., Building C, Kent. 253-854-1312 or www.tvtoastmasters.org.

Valley Mothers of Multiples Club: 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month, September through June. Group provides support, resources and social activities for parents or guardians of twins and higher order multiples in the South Puget Sound area. First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 S.E. 240th St. www.valleymothersofmultiplesclub.org.

Valley Newcomers: 11:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Group meets at area restaurants. Call for details, locations. 253-854-1831.

Writers’ Muse: 10 a.m.-noon the fourth Wednesday of the month. Bring three pages of writing to share. Group for professional and aspiring writers to share and comment on each other’s works, offer literary tips, marketing ideas and writing contest info. Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. SunTiger@usa.com.

Public Meetings

Kent City Hall is located at 220 Fourth Ave. S. For meeting information, see the City Web site at www.ci.kent.wa.us.

Kent City Council: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month, except December. Council Chambers in Kent City Hall.

Kent City Council Committee: 4 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Planning and Economic Development: 4 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Public Safety Committee: 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent Public Works Committee: 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Kent School District School Board: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Administration Center board room, 12033 S.E. 256th St., Kent. Agendas are available from the superintendent’s office or any school office the Monday afternoon before the meeting.

Parks and Human Services: 5 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Chambers East at Kent City Hall.

Veterans

Veterans Outreach: 3:15-6 p.m. Feb. 13 and March 13. Veterans and their families can get assistance in applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs from a Disabled American Veterans Service Officer. Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-6439.

Military Family Support Meetings: Tuesday evenings. Open to spouses and adult family members of soldiers deployed, soon to leave or recently returned. Topics include deployment concerns, parenting needs, self-care and relationship challenges. Group is free of charge and confidential. Registration requested. 33301 First Way S., Federal Way. 253-661-6634, ext. 145.

Veterans of Foreign Wars- Panther Lake Post 11329: 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. U.S. Army Reserve Center, 14631 S.E. 192nd St., Renton. 253-631-8151 or 425-254-1459.

Seniors

Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150. Senior events include:

• Kent Koffee Klatch Club: 11 a.m. Mondays. Free event features Starbucks door prizes, coffee and mini-concerts.

• Health screenings: 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, blood pressure checks; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, foot care; 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, massage therapy.

Support

Al-Anon Family Groups: 8 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, 9425 S. 248th St., Kent; 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Holy Spirit Church, 327 Second Ave. S. (Vida Nueva AFG in Spanish), Kent; 8 p.m. Fridays in the rear white building at Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S.; 8 p.m. Fridays at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 310 S. Third Ave., Kent; 10 a.m. Saturdays at the United Methodist Church, 11010 S.E. 248th St., Kent.

Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South King County: 6:30-8 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Angel Flight West: Volunteer pilot group offers free air transportation to those in need, especially medical care. 888-426-2643 or www.angelflightwest.org.

Auburn Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: 10 a.m. the first Friday of the month. Wesley Homes Lea Hill, 32049 109th Place S.E., Auburn. 253-876-6014.

Breast cancer patient support: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly-diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments and have volunteers in your community. 206-417-3484, www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Celebrate Recovery support groups: 7 p.m. Thursdays. Men’s and women’s groups to support you in making life changes. Kent Covenant Church, 12010 S.E. 240th St., Kent. 253-631-0222, ext. 300.

Changes Parent Support Group: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays. Group offers help for families torn apart by adolescent defiance or self-destructive behavior. 11717 SE 240th St., Kent. 888-468-2620 or www.cpsn.org.

Consumer Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Diabetes Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Cost: Free; registration required. Des Moines Activity Center, 2045 S. 216th St. 206-878-1642.

Divorce Lifeline: Lifeline offers adult therapy groups for people dealing with divorce or separation. Call for details. 206-694-5788 or www.divorcelifeline.org.

Domestic Violence: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays; 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. YWCA of South King County hosts support groups for women who have experienced domestic violence. Meets at a confidential location. 206-799-6209.

Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle & King County: The program offers 14 varieties of healthy, nutritionally balanced food packs to families and individuals with an immediate need for food. 206-329-0300 or www.emergencyfeeding.org.

Fathers’ Network: 9:30 a.m.-noon every other Saturday. Fathers and men involved in the life of a child with special needs or developmental disabilities can attend these meetings to share resources and personal joys and challenges. The Children’s Therapy Center, 10811 S.E. Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. www.ctckids.org.

Foster and Adoptive Parents: The fourth Thursday of every month. Group sponsored by Foster Our Future. Kent Covenant Church, 12020 240th St. S.E. 253-630-6567.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll-free national hotline: 888-424-3577.

Grief Recovery: 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Support for those experiencing a personal loss. Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 S.E. 248th St., Kent. 253-852-3900.

Grief Recovery Group: 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Liberty Ridge Church, 24711 94th Ave. S., Kent. 253-852-4221 or www.libertyridgechurch.com.

Meaningful Connections: 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Sessions are facilitated by Valley Cities Counseling Services staff members to encourage involvement and sharing of interest, concerns joys and challenges. Snacks are served along with lively conversation. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5167.

Medical coverage assistance: Public Health Seattle & King County provides free assistance applying for benefits, including free or low-cost medical coverage for qualifying children. Call for details. English: 206-296-3944; Spanish: 206-296-3948 or 206-296-3943; Vietnamese: 206-296-3949.

Messies Anonymous: Group for those overwhelmed by clutter and disorder. Weekly meetings in Burien, Des Moines and Maple Valley. 206-248-2922.

Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W.: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Alliance Bible Church, 19320 S.E. 240th St., Kent; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road S.E., Maple Valley; 9-10:15 a.m. Saturdays at Covington MultiCare, third floor conference room, 17700 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. www.overeaters.org.

SHIBA Helpline: Statewide Heath Insurance Benefits Advisors is a network of trained volunteers that assists and advocates for consumer rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. Group is also accepting volunteers. 800-562-6900 or www.insurance.wa.gov.

South King County CHADD chapter: 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Discussion of issues that concern parents of children with attention-deficit disorder. New Horizon School, 1111 S. Carr Road, Renton. 253-631-8603.

South King County PFLAG: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25701 14 Place S., Des Moines. 206-325-7724.

WICS (Widowed Information and Consultation Services): 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Grief support group for adult widows and widowers offering support, information and social activities. 25810 156th Ave. S.E., Covington. 206-241-5650 or 253-630-0324.

Women’s Support Group: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. 218 State St., Kent. 206-947-7556, 253-946-6271 or women_share@yahoo.com.

Volunteer

Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast cancer survivors needed to provide support for others battling cancer. Must be one year past the end of treatments and have good interpersonal skills. 206-417-3484, 877-417-3484 (toll-free), www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Arbor Village Retirement Community: Volunteers needed to lead weekly or bi-weekly craft activities, women’s club, discussion groups, socials and other group activities or classes. Suggestions for groups or activities are welcome. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound: Seeking adult mentors to spend time with children. Agency offers flexible program to fit volunteers’ schedules and interests, and plans activities such as snow tubing on Snoqualmie Pass, hiking adventures in the Cascades, and tickets to Mariners games. Call or see Web site for details. 877-700-2447 or www.bbbsps.org.

Family Law CASA of King County: Children’s needs can get lost in the dispute between separating parents. Do you want to advocate for such a child? Volunteer for Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of King County. 206-748-9700 or www.familylawcasa.com.

Friend to Friend: Volunteers needed to visit adults in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes throughout King and Snohomish counties. Volunteers commit to visit about twice a month for one year. 206-246-5150.

Fostering Together: Foster parents needed. 866-958-5437 or www.fosteringtogether.org.

Green River Community College: College seeks volunteers in a variety of areas: ceramics, basic computing, court reporting and more. Professional experience is not required. 253-288-3346 or volunteer@greenriver.edu.

Highline Hospice: Hospice is recruiting caring and compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers provide patient support and companionship, caregiver respite, bereavement support or office help. Comprehensive training provided. Highline Hospice, 12844 Military Road S., Tukwila. 206-439-9095.

Meals on Wheels at the Kent Senior Center: Seeking back-up drivers to deliver meals as needed on Thursday mornings. Mileage reimbursable. Call nonprofit agency Senior Services for details. 206-727-6350.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Volunteers needed to provide tours during business hours, one day per month. Training provided. Open noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330.

Puget Sound Blood Center: Assist with blood drives and bone marrow registry drives. Must be available in the day or early evening twice a month and have reliable transportation. 425-462-4381, meganp@psbc.org or www.psbc.org/volunteers.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team: American Red Cross is seeking King County volunteers to respond to local disasters. Volunteers must be on-call one week out of six, and will receive free training. 206-726-3566 or www.seattleredcross.org.

South King County Genealogical Society: Group seeks volunteers to aid restoration effort at Saar Pioneer Cemetery in Kent. 206-719-6374, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Special Transportation Program: Group Health Cooperative needs volunteer drivers to transport frail, elderly members to and from medical appointments in King County. Volunteers use their personal cars, are reimbursed for mileage and determine their own schedules, including when, where and how often they will drive. Volunteers do not need to be Group Health members. 206-326-2800 or resource.l@ghc.org.

Stitches from the Heart: Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters, hats and booties for babies in need. Items go to hospitals across the country. Patterns available. Donations of yarn or money also appreciated. Call for details. 866-472-6903, stitchfromheart@aol.com or www.StitchesFromTheHeart.org.

Volunteer Chore Services: Kent-area volunteers needed to assist with chores for low-income elders and adults with disabilities. Services include shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and yard work. Program is a service of Catholic Community Services. 253-850-2509, 888-649-6850 or KizzieF@ccsww.org.

Washington Youth Soccer: Volunteers needed to assist with State Cup tournaments on weekends throughout the year, helping with set-up and tear-down, and serving as field marshals. Tournaments take place at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. Call or e-mail for details. 253-476-2237, ext. 112, or tiffany@wsysa.com.